Persepolis to play Lekhwiya without spectators in Tehran's Azadi Stadium

The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Disciplinary and Ethics Committee on Wednesday ordered Persepolis FC (IRN) to play their AFC Champions League (ACL) Round of 16 match against Lekhwiya SC without spectators.

This is a result of spectator misconduct at the club’s ACL Group Stage match on May 8 against Al Wahda (UAE). Persepolis supporters lit a flare in the 88th minute of the match, putting safety in the stadium at risk.

After three spectator-related incidents in the 2015 season, Persepolis FC were ordered to play one (1) match without spectators, suspended for a probationary period of two (2) years. As the current breach occurred within the probationary period, the order to play one (1) match with a full stadium closure automatically comes into effect. Persepolis FC were also fined USD10,000, the-afc reported.

The disciplinary process was fast-tracked due to Persepolis taking part in the ACL Round of 16 next week. Persepolis FC will face Lekhwiya SC (QAT) on Tuesday May 23 at the Azadi Stadium in Tehran.